Myeloma Special Series Co-chaired by Leading Experts Dr. Dickran Kazandjian and Dr. Claudio Cerchione

Don’t forget to submit your articles for the OncoDaily Medical Journal‘s “Multiple Myeloma ” Special Series, co-chaired by leading experts Dr. Dickran Kazandjian and Dr. Claudio Cerchione. This series aims to inform and guide clinical practice, with a focus on practical applications and innovative approaches in the management of myeloma.

Focus Areas for Article Submission:

• Epidemiology of Plasma Cell Disorders
• Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM)
• Paradigm Changes in Non-Transplant NDMM Treatment
• Smoldering Myeloma: Review of current evidence—Is early treatment warranted?
• Bispecific T Cell Engagers: Current FDA-approved therapies and what’s on the horizon.
• CAR-T Therapy: Role in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and its potential in frontline treatment.
• T(11;14) and New Targeted Therapies in RRMM
• Global Perspectives on Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Insights from different regions.
• New Biomarkers of Response: The role of mass spectrometry in clinical practice.
• Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Testing in 2024

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025!

For detailed submission guidelines or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Dr. Dickran Kazandjian: A Leading Voice in Multiple Myeloma Research and Clinical Care

Clinical Focus and Research Innovations

Dr. Dickran Kazandjian is a distinguished hematologic oncologist and clinician-scientist whose pioneering research and clinical expertise focus on multiple myeloma and its precursor plasma cell disorders, including monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) and smoldering myeloma. He currently serves as a Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Myeloma at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Kazandjian is also the Associate Director for Clinical Trials Research and Assistant Director of Clinical Research Services at the Sylvester Myeloma Institute, located within the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Clinically, Dr. Kazandjian is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of precursor plasma cell disorders, particularly high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. His research explores early treatment strategies and the development of early-interventional clinical trials targeting this vulnerable patient population. He also investigates the role of immunotherapy in plasma cell dyscrasias and challenges conventional approaches to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), hypothesizing that some subsets of myeloma patients may not benefit from upfront ASCT given modern, highly effective therapies.

Translational Science and Precision Medicine

Dr. Kazandjian’s translational laboratory work includes the use of cutting-edge techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) to enhance monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) and better understand the immune system and microenvironmental factors influencing treatment response. His team explores variations in somatic mutations, immune responses, and tumor microenvironment to personalize therapy and improve outcomes.

Addressing Disparities in Multiple Myeloma

He is also deeply invested in addressing racial disparities in multiple myeloma, studying molecular and clinical differences in incidence, age of onset, and outcomes among diverse populations. Supported by an intramural FDA grant, Dr. Kazandjian collaborates with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering to investigate these disparities and improve equity in care.

Academic and Professional Journey

Dr. Kazandjian’s academic journey began at Boston University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and earned his medical degree. He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, where he completed his internal medicine residency and conducted HIV-malignancy research while on active duty, including critical medical support during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later completed fellowships in medical oncology and hematology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), remaining at the NIH as a physician-scientist and head of the Myeloma Program in the Lymphoid Malignancies Branch.

Dr. Claudio Cerchione: Transforming Multiple Myeloma Care

Dr. Claudio Cerchione is an esteemed hematologist specializing in hematological malignancies, with a key focus on multiple myeloma and acute leukemias. He currently leads the Myeloma Clinical and Research Group at the Hematology Unit of the Romagna Scientific Institute for Cancer Research and Care (IRST) in Italy, and serves as a Physician Hematologist at Federico II University Hospital of Naples. In these roles, he is the Principal Investigator for numerous clinical trials.

Academic and Professional Journey

Dr. Cerchione earned his medical degree with honors from the University Federico II of Naples in 2008, followed by a fellowship in hematology completed with honors in 2014 and a Ph.D. earned in 2017 from the same institution. His thesis and early research focused on hematological malignancies. He has enriched his expertise through international research experiences at the University of Bonn, Germany, the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, USA, where he was named International Ambassador of the Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO).

Clinical and Research Expertise

His clinical dedication centers around multiple myeloma, including relapsed and refractory cases, and acute leukemias. Dr. Cerchione’s research encompasses prognostic factors, innovative therapies, and clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes. He is highly active in designing and leading pivotal clinical research, advancing novel treatment strategies, and investigating molecular mechanisms in myeloma and related disorders.

Leadership and Contributions

Dr. Cerchione is co-founder and President of SOHO Italy and serves on editorial boards of several international hematology journals. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and contributed more than 200 abstracts to scientific congresses. His leadership extends to educational activities at national and international levels, including being recognized with the European Hematology Association (EHA) Clinical Research Training in Hematology award in 2018/2019, where he is now faculty.

Global Collaborative Work and Impact

His collaborative projects span Europe and North America, reflecting his commitment to advancing hematology through multinational research efforts. Dr. Cerchione is also an adjunct professor at the University of Bologna’s Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, furthering academic excellence in hematologic oncology.